III
If we would to the World's distempered Mind
Impute the Rage which there we find,
We might, even in the midst of all our Foes
Enjoy and feel a sweet Repose,
Might pity all the Griefs we see,
Anointing every Malady
With precious Oil and Balm;
And while ourselves are calm, our Art improve
To rescue them and show our Love.
IV
But let's not fondly our own selves beguile;
If we Revile 'cause they Revile,
Ourselves infected with their sore Disease
Need other's Helps to give us ease;
For we more Mad than they remain,
Need to be cut, and need a Chain
Far more than they. Our Brain
Is craz'd, and if we put our Wit to theirs,
We may be justly made their Heirs.
V
But while with open eyes we clearly see
The brightness of His Majesty;
While all the World by Sin to Satan sold,
In daily Wickedness grows old,
Men in chains of Darkness lye,
In Bondage and Iniquity,
And pierce and grieve themselves!
The dismal Woes wherein they crawl, enhance
The peace of our Inheritance.
VI
We wonder to behold our selves so nigh
To so much Sin and Misery,
And yet to see our selves so safe from harm!
What Amulet, what hidden Charm
Could fortifie and raise the Soul
So far above them and controul
Such fierce Malignity?
The brightness and the glory which we see
Is made a greater Mystery.
VII
And while we feel how much our God doth love
The Peace of Sinners, how much move
And sue, and thirst, intreat, lament, and grieve
For all the Crimes in which they live,
And seek and wait and call again,
And long to save them from the pain
Of Sin, from all their Woe!
With greater thirst as well as grief we try,
How to relieve their Misery.
VIII
The life and splendour of Felicity,
Whose floods so overflowing be,
The streams of Joy which round about his Throne
Enrich and fill each Holy One,
Are so abundant, that we can
Spare all, even all to any Man!
And have it all ourselves!
Nay, have the more! We long to make them see
The sweetness of Felicity.